How do you puree baby food
Ultimate Guide on Baby Food Purees (4-6+ months)
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Here it is, the Ultimate Guide on How to Make Your Own Baby Food! Everything you need to know to get started on making homemade baby purees is right in this guide. Tips, tools, storage methods, recipe combinations, starter purees, introducing new foods — name it, and you’ll find it here! This in-depth guide is perfect for babies ages 4-6+ months!
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Purees for BabyAre you wanting to make your baby homemade baby food purees but don’t know where to start?
In this guide I’ll share everything you need to know to begin, starting from the best cooking tools to have on hand and safe storage. I will also share how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, starter purees, and more! They’re all ideal for babies at least 4 months old (stage 1 baby food). You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!
In short, this comprehensive guide will teach you how to make and serve homemade baby food without stressing out about it.
That’s the key here — don’t stress out. It’s supposed to be fun, and it’s going to be! Hopefully, after going through this guide, you’ll realize that making homemade baby food is as easy as pie. Plus, seeing your baby wanting to devour your appetizing homemade purees is a priceless moment that is worth the work.
Here’s a tip: Grab a cup of coffee (or glass of wine), and break this post down into smaller sections so you can digest it (pun intended) over time.
As you start making your own baby food purees, you’ll realize that this once daunting task can actually become second nature to you. Don’t panic, you’ve got this!
Guide on Baby Food Purees Video
Watch this video to find out more about how to freeze, store and thaw your own purees!
5 Reasons to Make Your Own Baby FoodNowadays, it’s easy to buy food for your baby. Many brands now tout that their baby food purees, pouches, and snack bars are organic. Given that you do have a choice, why should you cook at home?
TASTENothing tastes better than a healthy, homemade meal, and that goes for baby purees as well.
- Tastes Better – Food always tastes better using fresh, wholesome ingredients.
- Tastes Real – If you want your baby to experience what a real apple tastes like, then make a baby food puree using real apples. The industrial process of making store-bought baby food kills off most of the flavors, nutrients, and aromas of the produce, making purees taste bland and unnatural.
- Tastes Fresh – Most commercial baby food purees are heated to extremely high temperatures to have upwards of three-year shelf life. That means the food from the store is most likely older than your baby.
Don’t get me wrong — store-bought baby food is convenient if you are in a pinch. But you can’t beat the taste of any homemade baby food.
TEXTUREThe ability to control the thickness of your baby’s puree is an advantage that will not only help you get through the picky-eating days but also help transition your baby from purees to solid food.
- Some babies prefer thinner purees, while other babies like thicker ones. When you make your own, you are in control of how thin or thick your baby’s puree will be.
- Different textures are as new to your baby as the flavors themselves. So, varying a puree’s texture will not only give your baby a new eating experience but will also excite their taste buds.
Homemade baby food is undoubtedly healthier for your baby than any brand of store-bought food, whether jarred or in pouches. But the biggest nutrition win I feel you get is that you can tailor them to your child’s needs anytime.
- Is your baby feeling a little under the weather? Make a puree high in vitamin C.
- Low on iron? Add some beef, spinach, or beans.
- Maybe your baby is a little constipated. Making a puree with anything that starts with a “P” — pears, prunes, peas, peaches — will soon get your little one back on their adorable feet.
Since you’re the one who buys the ingredients and handles, preps, and cooks the purees, you can rest assured that you know exactly what’s going into all of your baby’s food.
What you make is what your babies get! There are no fillers, thickeners, suspicious ingredients with names you can’t pronounce, shelf stabilizers, or unnecessary water. Just healthy, flavorful homemade baby food that you can also enjoy!
COST SAVINGSLastly, this might come as a surprise, but making your own baby food with all organic ingredients is more than 50 percent cheaper than buying their store-bought counterpart!
Depending on how much your baby eats, homemade baby purees can save you some serious money.
What is Traditional WeaningTraditional weaning (also sometimes called “spoon-feeding”) involves introducing food to your baby via puree form first and then gradually progressing the texture and types of foods over time. Since food is pureed with traditional weaning, the parent typically needs to spoon-feed their baby. Initial foods offered with this approach typically include thin, smooth purees, such as fruits, vegetables, oatmeal or rice cereal. Textures gradually progress to thicker purees, then mashed or chopped foods, and eventually soft finger foods, such as cooked vegetable pieces, toast, pasta, and meats.
Benefits of Traditional Weaning/Spoon Feeding- Baby learns how to swallow safely first, then works on chewing skills later. Purees can be very helpful for teaching swallowing, as they help intrinsic tongue muscles develop, preparing your baby to chew and swallow more efficiently. It’s also less common to gag or choke on purees, which may help some babies feel more comfortable when starting the feeding process.
- You know how much your baby has eaten. Whether using store-bought or homemade purees, you’ll be able to get a good estimate on how much your baby consumed.
- Baby can get a lot of flavor from the start. Who says purees have to be boring and bland? Especially if you make homemade purees, there are some pretty tasty flavor combinations that you can offer baby as some of their first foods.
- Less Mess (well, maybe). Although letting baby touch and explore foods is an important part of the process, if you’re feeling hesitant on just how messy things are going to get initially, starting with spoon-feeding purees might help you ease into the process.
- Preparing lots of different purees can be time consuming. In addition to making other meals for yourself and the rest of the family, it might feel challenging to make separate meals just for your baby. Although with homemade purees, you will often make a big enough batch so that you’ll have several weeks’ worth of food.
- Spoon feeding baby can make it tough to feed yourself during a family style meal. Sitting and eating when baby eats is possible, but you will likely have many interruptions as you pause to spoon-feed baby throughout the meal.
- Baby won’t get as much opportunity to engage in sensory exploration. Unless you progress to giving baby their own bowl or spreading purees on the tray and encouraging baby to taste the food off their fingers, they won’t get as much opportunity to feel the puree on their hands, fingers, and face.
- Feeding baby past signs of fullness. Reading baby’s cues is important no matter what approach you’re using, but there can be a tendency to continue to feed baby past signs of fullness when spoon-feeding and sneak in “just one more bite” from that almost empty container.
- Getting “stuck” in a comfortable zone. Once baby seems to have mastered taking purees from a spoon, it can get tempting to stick with what you know. But baby can get too comfortable with the smooth texture of purees if not encouraged to progress to other textures. This may lead to difficulties managing these textures later on in life.
Whether you decide to go with traditional weaning (purees), baby-led weaning or a combination of both, look for these readiness signs in your baby:
- Around 6 months of age
- Sitting with minimal assistance
- Good control of their head and trunk
- Bringing hands and toys to their mouth
- Appears interested in food, possibly by reaching for or leaning forward towards food
Before you start weaning your baby, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready.
Helpful Tools for Baby Food MakingFortunately, most of the tools you need to make homemade baby food can already be found in your kitchen. Score!
Tools Needed- blender or food processor
- baking sheet
- saucepans
- steamer insert with lid
- knives
- veggie peeler
- spatula
- freezer tray
- storage containers for fridge
- stasher bag
- reusable pouches
- baby food maker
- highchair
- suction bowl or baby bowl
- baby spoon
- open lid cup
- bib with catch pocket
- sleeved bib
- splat mat to cover the floor
Learning Resources: looking for the best high chair, cups or spoons for your baby? Then we’ve got you covered! Here you will find How to Find the Best High Chair for Baby, an easy guide on Best First Open Cups for Baby (plus 4 tips when introducing a cup) as well as 3 Tips on How To Spoon Feed Baby (plus – our favorite spoons for purees or BLW).
How to Make Baby Food PureesAll of the baby food recipes on this site and in my cookbooks are designed to enhance the natural taste of the fruits and veggies while keeping as many nutrients intact as possible. In other words, the goal is to make a puree that’s both healthy and delectable.
There are several ways you can cook baby food purees, but the main techniques I use are:
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Simmering
- Raw
Keep in mind, that as long as the produce is cooked until soft, that there isn’t a right or wrong way to cook it for baby food.
If a recipe for broccoli calls for steaming but you want to roast it because you will already be roasting some broccoli for yourself for dinner, then go ahead and roast the broccoli for your baby’s puree. Play around and have some fun with it!
Adding Spices to Baby PureesIt’s encouraged that you can serve your baby a homemade puree with a pinch of spices or herbs from the very first bite.
Benefits of Spices
- boost and compliment any fruit or vegetable puree
- broaden baby’s emerging palate
- add more flavor and depth into their foods
- decrease picky eating in the years to come
- have medicinal properties in them — they can help with digestive issues, boost brain functions, repair muscle tissues, and so on.
While each puree recipe on this site has a selection of spices or herbs that complement the flavors of the fruit or vegetable in the puree, it’s up to you if you want to add them. You do you! Either way, the puree recipes on this site will be delicious.
Top Spices to Add to Baby’s Puree
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Mild Curry Powder
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Pureeing homemade baby food is a very straightforward event. However, it can take some practice to get the smoothest, creamiest puree for your baby.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place Produce In Blender: place cooked produce into a blender or food processor.
- Start Machine: turn the machine starting on low and increasing until you reach the highest setting.
- Add Liquids: add liquids (water, fresh breast milk or formula) in small increments if needed to help smooth out the puree. Root veggies may been up to a cup of liquid while fruits may not need any. Add in 1/4 cup of liquids at a time to make sure not to add too much liquids.
- Blend: it usually takes 1-2 mintues to fully blend a puree for baby. If you are getting a chunky puree, add in a little bit more water and keep blending.
Note on Blending: you will always get a smoother puree when you use a blender over a food processor. Most babies will not notice a difference between the texture of baby food made in a blender versus a food processor but if your baby is having trouble with the texture of a puree made in a food processor, you may want to try using a blender.
Tips for getting the Smoothest Baby Purees- Give It Time: Give your blender or food processor some time to work its magic. It takes 1-2 minutes of blending for each puree to get the smoothest puree. But it may take longer if you have an older blender model or you are using a food processor.
- Add Liquids: You may have to add extra liquids like water, fresh breast milk, or formula into the blender or food processor in order to get the blender really going. Hard root vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, beets, etc., often take at least 1-2 cups of liquids because they do not have high water content. I recommend adding liquid into the blender in 1/4 cup increments or smaller so you don’t get a runny puree.
- Cyclone Effect: You will know you have the right amount of liquid and are at the right speed when you get the cyclone effect. This is when all the ingredients are completely circling the blending without any interference.
- Scrape Down Sides: While blending, make sure to scrape the sides with a spatula to get all the produce and spices incorporated into the puree.
- Blender vs. Food Processor: A high-speed blender will give you the smoothest puree. A food processor will also work but the result is a slightly thicker puree. The upside of the food processor is that you don’t have to add as much liquid to the puree.
Just Starting: Roasted sweet potato and 1/2 cup of water.
30 Seconds: Scraped down the sides and added 1/4 cup more of water.
60 Seconds: Scraped down the sides and added 1/4 cup more of water.
90 Seconds: Added 2 tablespoons of water, and it was perfect. The puree was clearly running through the blender and the puree was getting super smooth.
Finished: A smooth puree for the win!
See the video in this post to get a step-by-step look at how to blend baby food.
How to Freeze, Store & Thaw Baby PureesYour freezer is about to become your new best friend, allowing you to keep several weeks’ worth of baby purees at the ready.
How to Freeze Baby FoodWhenever you make a puree, put several ounces in the fridge for your little one to enjoy that week, then freeze the rest of the batch for your baby to eat at a later date. Please make sure you get it in the puree into the fridge or freezer within 1 hour of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Make a puree.
- Let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the puree to freezer trays or freezer jars.
- Cover the freezer trays with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Label with date and name of puree.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Let it freeze for at least 5 hours.
- Take the tray out of the freezer.
- Crack the purees out of the trays.
- Place the frozen purees into zip-lock baggies or stasher bags.
How to Store
Baby FoodPurees can be stored for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw Baby FoodThawing may seem like a no-brainer, but it never hurts to know your options. There are three different ways to thaw purees.
Microwave- Take the frozen puree cubes that you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place them in a glass microwave-safe container.
- Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring every time.
- The puree is ready when it is just warm to your touch.
- Grab two clean spoons, one for you and one for your baby, and test your puree before serving.
Heating Tip: To prevent the microwave from unevenly heating the puree, which can leave it with cold and really hot spots and can burn your baby’s mouth, make sure you stir between each interval and taste test it before serving to your baby.
FridgeThis one takes the longest time, but it is an excellent alternative to using a microwave.
- Take the frozen puree cubes you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place the cubes in an air-tight glass container.
- Place the container in the fridge and let the cubes thaw for 8 to 12 hours, usually overnight.
- Do not leave the puree in the container to thaw on the counter or anywhere out of the fridge, as bacteria will start to grow at a rapid rate — which is definitely not recommended.
- Note that the puree will be cold but thawed. So if your baby likes their puree warmed, you’ll have to finish the job using the microwave or stovetop method.
- In a small saucepan, add the frozen puree cubes you want to serve to your baby.
- Over medium-low heat, gently cook the puree until warm, stirring occasionally.
Thawing Tip: Some infants like their puree cold, warm, or really warm, and some will eat it no matter the temperature. You will get to know your baby’s personal preferences as the two of you bond over food.
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How to Introduce PureesHigh chair? Check. Bib? Check. Fully charged cell phone? Check.
With this holy trinity of baby-feeding accouterment, you’re ready for that first feed.
The faces, oh, the faces your baby is about to make! Out of all the firsts, feeding is the most fun — and the messiest. So grab a few wipes, double-check that your phone has enough storage for dozens of photos and videos, and let’s get started!
Before you begin, make sure your baby has a little bit of breast milk or formula in their belly, about half of what you’d normally give in a regular feeding.
Not too full. Not too hungry. Just right.
The PrinciplesThis is not going to be a clean and simple process. Your baby may eat food one day, refuse it the next, and paint their face with it the next. It’s all okay. Playing with food is a good thing; it is simply a way for babies to explore, learn, smell, and taste the world around them. So have those wipes close by, and remember:
- Start Slowly – Two teaspoons once a day is enough food for babies for the first couple of meals. Their bodies need time to adjust and digest new food. If they are still acting hungry, give them some more breast milk or formula.
- Let the Baby Decide – Your little one should determine how fast or slow they want to eat.
- All Spoons on Deck – Have more than one spoon ready. Your baby will surely snatch one out of your hands to play with, which is a-okay.
- Have Fun – Smile at your baby throughout the experience, and try to relax. The more fun you have, the greater the likelihood your baby will enjoy it, too (even if they barely eat or don’t eat at all).
- Build Up – After a couple of days, build up the quantity of food you offer one tablespoon at a time.
Are you ready to start the feeding? Select a puree you’ve already made. Place just one or two teaspoons of it into its own bowl and slightly warm this small amount. You can choose whether to gently spoon it into your baby’s mouth or hand the spoon over to them to attempt self-feeding. If your baby tries to grab the spoon from you and gets it into their mouth by themselves, whoa — you’ve got success on your hands. If the experience is a bit milder, and they let you spoon some puree into their mouth, enjoy it. This is a winning experience, too.
The LikelySome babies will simply not open their mouths. Some babies will take one bite, clamp their mouths, and turn away. If (and when) any of this happens, don’t force the spoon into their mouth, and don’t stress out. Here are a couple of things to try:
- Put a bit of the puree at the end of your finger and see if your baby will suck it off. This is an unintimidating way to begin, especially as spoons can be scary for little ones.
- Pour a tablespoon of puree onto the high chair tray, and allow your baby to play with it if they want. This is a less micromanaging approach to letting the baby explore new food. As babies love to put everything in their mouths, odds are at least some will get in (or near) it.
- If your baby has no interest in these options, end the feeding. Dispose of the one or two teaspoons you warmed. Put the remaining, unheated puree in the refrigerator to try again tomorrow.
Remember that before their first birthday, babies receive their main source of calories, vitamins, fat, and protein from your breast milk or formula. At this point, any puree or solid food you give your baby is mainly used to teach them how to eat and explore real food.
10 Starter First Foods for BabyNot sure which foods to offer first? These 10 foods are nutrient-dense, easy to make, and tasty purees are a choice for your baby.
- Avocado
- Banana
- Sweet Potatoes
- Apple
- Broccoli
- Pear
- Carrot
- Yogurt
- Oats
- Green Bean
You will want to avoid these foods until your baby is developmentally ready for them:
- Whole nuts, seeds
- Clumps of nut butter
- Dried fruit
- Hard candy
- Hard, raw fruits and veggies
- Popcorn
- Hot dogs
- Whole grapes
- Added salt and sugar
- Honey until 1 year of age
- Cow’s milk until 1 year of age
Aim to feed baby a variety of flavors to help expand her palette, which can help reduce picky eating. Try to make sure you serve at least one iron-rich food per meal to help prevent iron deficiency anemia. To begin, serve thin pureed foods that
SAMPLE SCHEDULE FOR 6 – 7 MONTH-OLDSMost babies are ready to start purees around six months of age. Start with 1-2 meals a day and keep the same amount of formula or breast milk feedings, usually five. Note that there is no one right schedule for your baby.
7am- 7:30-wake-up, bottle/breastfeed
7:30am- 8:30am- play
8:30am- 9am- avocado puree
9am- 10:30am- morning nap
10:30am- 11am- bottle/breastfeed
11am- 12pm-play
12pm-2pm- afternoon nap
2pm- 2:30pm-bottle/breastfeed
2:30- 3pm- banana puree
3- 3pm -play
4pm- 5pm- cat nap
5pm- 5:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
5:30pm- 6:30 pm- play
6:30pm- bath
7pm-7:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
7:30pm- bedtime
If your baby is not eating 2 solid meals a day yet, go ahead and increase purees to twice a day. Once you have introduced a variety of single-ingredient purees, you can start offering combination purees.
7am- 7:30am- wake-up, bottle/breastfeed
7:30-8:30am- play
8:30am– 9am- apple and carrot puree
9am-10:30am- morning nap
10:30am- 11am- bottle/breastfeed
11am-12pm-play
12pm- 2pm- afternoon nap
2pm- 2:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
2:30- 4pm- play
4pm- 5pm- cat nap
5:00pm- 5:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
5:30pm- 6:00 pm- play
6:00pm- 6:30pm- sweet potato and chicken puree, yogurt on the side
6:30pm- bath
7pm- 7:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
7:30 pm-bedtime
By now, your baby should be getting 3 meals a day, in addition to formula or breast milk, which is usually reduced to 4 feedings per day. Around 9-10, your baby should be introduced to chunky purees and then quickly to finger foods.
7am-7:30am- wake up, bottle/breastfeed
7:30am-8:30am- play
8:30am- 9am- breakfast of a quartered hard-boiled egg, halved raspberries, whole grain pancakes
9am-10am- play
10am-12pm- morning nap
12pm- 12:30pm-bottle/breastfeed
12:30pm-1pm- play
1pm- 1:30pm- lunch of cut up baked chicken, steamed broccoli and rice
1:30pm-2:45 pm- play
2:45pm- 3pm- snack of whole grain O’s, cut up cheese stick and sliced strawberries
3pm- 4:30pm- afternoon nap
4:30pm- 5pm- bottle/breastfeed
5pm-6pm- play
6pm- 6:30pm- dinner of ground hamburger meat, baked sweet potato sticks, steamed peas and carrots
6:30pm- bath
7pm-7:30pm- bottle/breastfeed
7:30 pm-bedtime
Babies are less likely to gag or choke on purees compared to solid foods. When babies first suck on the breast or bottle, they are learning how to swallow liquids. Transitioning to purees can help teach your baby an effective swallowing technique, by propelling foods backward with the tongue and swallowing.
Choking vs. GaggingAlthough it may still look and feel intense or scary the first time a parent witnesses it, gagging is different than choking.
GaggingWhen a baby gags, it is most likely because food that has not been chewed well has gotten too far back in the mouth. The gag reflex is a built-in protective mechanism to protect the airway from food. With practice, your baby learns that they need to chew first, then swallow the food. Fortunately, with continued practice with eating, the gag reflex should lessen over time.
Signs of gagging include:- sounds, such as coughing or hacking
- baby’s skin may turn red or a darker shade
- baby’s eyes might water
Babies usually recover fairly quickly, and you may see the food come forward in their mouth. Although not as common, vomiting after gagging may happen. During this time, watch closely and do your best to stay calm.
ChokingOn the other hand, choking happens when there is a blockage of the upper airway, from food or an object. Complete blockage of the airway prevents a person from breathing effectively. Therefore, choking is a true medical emergency and requires quick intervention on your part.
Signs of choking include:- baby is quiet
- baby’s skin may turn blueish in color
- baby won’t be able to cry or make much sound
Your baby may become unresponsive or lose consciousness if the food is not cleared. This is why it’s recommended to know CPR before starting solids of any kind.
How to Keep Baby SafeAs a parent of two, I know how scary it can be to introduce solid foods to your baby. With the proper precautions and knowledge, the fears will loosen and feeding your baby can become a wonderful adventure for both of you. To be prepared, we recommend you attend a live class in your area or take this online Baby CPR Course.
- Always supervise with food – sit with your baby and try not to multi-task while your baby is eating.
- Baby should be sitting in an upright position for all meals and snacks, not reclined. If your baby starts to get sleepy during eating, remove food.
- No eating in the car seat unless an adult is in the backseat supervising your baby.
- Do not let baby eat on the go. Once your baby is crawling or walking, avoid letting them move around with food in their mouth or holding food in their hands.
- Check the temperature of foods before offering them.
- Check baby’s mouth after they are done eating. Some babies may pocket food in the sides of their cheeks or get food stuck to the roof of their mouth as they are learning to eat. If you see any food remaining, encourage your baby to keep chewing, spit it out if they need to, or take sips of water or milk. Avoid sticking your finger in your baby’s mouth to get the food out – we want baby to learn how to manage taking care of the food.
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How to Teach Babies to ChewWhen babies first start chewing, the movement you see is a basic up and down jaw movement, sometimes called munching, that will eventually progress into a mature chewing pattern, called rotary chewing. Throughout this process, babies are also developing side-to-side tongue movements, called tongue lateralization. Tongue lateralization helps your baby push food over to their gums, where the molars will eventually come in, and where the heavy work of chewing happens. As your baby chews the food multiple times, it forms into a little ball or “bolus” of food, which is then transferred to the back of the mouth for swallowing.
Purees can also be used to develop the skills needed for chewing. You can place a spoonful of puree to the sides of the mouth as you would with a teether or soft piece of food. The purpose of this is not to expect your baby to start “chewing” the puree in the way that we think of chewing as adults, but rather to encourage your baby to start working tongue lateralization.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many ounces will baby actually eat?
This varies with each baby so it just depends! Some babies will only have a taste and be done, and others will want more and more. Some babies have a larger appetite than others so it’s hard to know but start with one teaspoon and work your way up to a tablespoon, and then more if your baby is still interested. Baby will eat more as they get older but always pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues to know when to stop feeding.
How many ounces of purees should baby eat?
By the time baby is ready for finger foods, she should be eating around 4 ounces of food at each meal. If it is more or less than this, do not worry. Babies get most of their nutrition from formula or breast milk until they turn 1 year old.
Does baby need teeth to eat?
The question of how babies can chew foods without teeth makes any parent scratch their heads! But in reality, we all chew food with our back molars, not our front teeth, which baby doesn’t get until 18-22 months of age. Good thing babies have super tough and strong gums, which they use to mash, gnaw and chew foods. Baby’s gums are better at chewing food than you would think, and your baby will be able to chew more foods the older they get, even without their molars.
Can you mix baby-bed weaning and purees?
Absolutely! Both purees and solid foods are great ways to introduce your baby to new flavors and textures. Babies actually learn to swallow liquids first, whether in the form of breastmilk or bottles. Purees are similar to offering liquid that’s been thickened a bit, so this can help with introducing your baby to a texture change and getting practice with swallowing solid food. Just consider limiting the amount of times you switch back and forth between soft solids and purees during each meal, at least when your baby is first learning to eat. Instead, you could offer a veggie puree as the “appetizer” before soft solids at one meal, or yogurt as the “dessert” at another meal.
Puree Feeding
Tips- Relax: try to relax and don’t worry too much about how much baby eats. It should be fun for you and baby.
- Timing: babies tend to tolerate purees best 1 hour breastfeeding or bottle, when they aren’t too hungry or too full.
- Limit distractions: turn off screens, put away toys, and sit down face to face with baby during the meal.
- Follow baby’s lead: it can be easy to overfeed when using traditional weaning vs baby led weaning, so always follow baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing his mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that baby is finished with the meal.
- Start with a small amount: and small servings. 1-2 oz of food per meal is adequate. Remember, these servings will be smaller than you think and at this stage, breast milk or formula will still be your baby’s primary source of calories and nutrition.
- Offer the spoon and allow waiting time: after you bring the spoon toward baby’s mouth, wait for her to open and accept it. Allow baby to close her top lip and suck puree off the spoon, while you guide the spoon straight out of the mouth. Avoid scraping the spoon on the roof of the mouth as you bring it back.
- Use shallow spoons or flat spoons: these help baby with clearing puree off with the top lip. A couple options we love include Olababy and ezpz mini spoon.
- Give time to practice: at first you might notice baby pushing the food back out and then swallowing. With time and practice, this forward/backward reflexive motion with the tongue will fade and baby will start swallowing more food than he pushes back out.
- Have a back spoon (or two!): even very young babies may want to be involved in the process as much as possible. Giving baby an extra spoon to hold can be helpful in giving baby sense of control and promoting hand-eye coordination.
- Let baby get messy! Encourage touching and playing with purees for a full sensory experience.
Or watch a shortened version of this video here.
Make Baby Food
Make baby food puree per the recipe. This could be by steaming, roasting or sauteing.
Freeze Purees
Pour puree into freezer tray or small baby food jars.
Lable the freezer tray or baby food jars with the recipe name and date.
Place the tray or jars in the freezer and freeze for at least 5 hours.
Pop the frozen baby food cubes out and place them into a zip-lock baggie or stasher bag.
Thaw Baby Food
Microwave –
Take the frozen puree cubes that you want to serve out of your freezer. Place them in a glass microwave-safe container. Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring every time The puree is ready when it is just warm to your touch. Grab two clean spoons, one for you and one for your baby, and test your puree before serving.
Fridge –
Take the frozen puree cubes you want to serve out of your freezer. Place the cubes in an air-tight glass container. Place the container in the fridge and let thaw for 12 to 16 hours. Do not leave the puree in the container to thaw on the counter or anywhere out of the fridge, as bacteria will start to grow at a rapid rate – which is definitely not good. The puree will be cold but thawed, so if your baby likes her puree warmed, you’ll have to finish the job using the microwave or stovetop method.
Stovetop –
In a small saucepan, add the frozen puree cubes you want to serve to baby. Over medium-low heat, gently cook the puree until warm, stirring occasionally.
Serve and enjoy!
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15 Stage One Baby Food Purees (4-6 Months)
Home » Feeding Style » Baby Food Purees » Stage One » 15 Stage One Baby Food Purees
These 15 Stage One Baby Food Recipes will tempt your baby’s taste buds! These simple, homemade baby food recipes are made with nutrient-dense fruits and vegetables with an added pinch of spice that makes these purees out-of-this-world delicious! They’re great for babies 4-6+ months of age!
Medically reviewed and co-written by Jamie Johnson, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), and Lauren Braaten, Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT).
Stage One Baby Food PureesAre you looking to make your baby homemade purees, but don’t know where to start? Does the process intimidate you?
Then you have come to the right place! Here you will find 15 of my all-time favorite starter baby food purees that have been viewed (and made) millions of times by my readers and combined have over 400 5-star reviews!
I would also like to personally welcome you to the wonderful world of baby food, this is a fun (and yummy) club to be in.
Does your baby’s first bite need to be boring?
Of course not!
Baby’s food can (and should be) delicious from the very start!
While it may seem daunting at first, making your own baby food is super easy once you get the hang of it.
And I’m here to walk you through it every step of the way.
First time making homemade baby food? Then I suggest you start this journey by reading my in-depth Guide on How to Make Homemade Baby Food. The detailed guide goes over all the important information such as the best cooking tools to have on hand, safe storage, how to know when baby is ready for solids, how to introduce purees, the best first foods for baby, and so much more! You can also check out my best-selling cookbook for even more information and recipes!
15 Stage One Baby Puree Video
While the recipes themselves are simple, in this video I will show you how to add in a pinch of cinnamon, rosemary, curry, or mint to quickly roasted or steamed fruits and vegetables that enhance their natural flavors. In other words, these are simple purees that I am pretty sure you will want to eat as well!
What is In Each Puree Recipe
After going through this guide, you will want to check out some (or all!) of the homemade baby food recipes below. Each recipe goes into detail about the:
- produce that is in the puree
- benefits of that produce for your baby
- recipe cooking options
- detailed photos and videos with step-by-step instructions
Reminder: The homemade baby food recipes below are made for babies that want to try the most delicious food from the very first bite! 😋
Helpful ToolsLet’s start with a few of my favorite kitchen essentials to make the best homemade baby food purees! These kitchen tools will help make the process of cooking, blending, and freezing baby food hassle-free. You can find a full list of my favorite baby and toddler food making tools in my online Shop.
Kitchen Tools- Blender or Food Processor
- Freezer Storage Tray
- Fridge Storage Containers
- Stasher Bag
- Baking Sheet
- Steamer Basket
- Medium Saucepan
- Reusable Pouches
- High Chair
- Suction Bowl and Spoon Set
- Bib with Food Catcher
Learning Resources: looking for the best high chair, cups or spoons for your baby? Then we’ve got you covered! Here you will find How to Find the Best High Chair for Baby, an easy guide on Best First Open Cups for Baby (plus 4 tips when introducing a cup) as well as 3 Tips on How To Spoon Feed Baby (plus – our favorite spoons for purees or BLW).
Frequently Asked QuestionsCan babies have spices in their food?
Yes, yes, yes! Babies can absolutely have spices mixed into their purees from the very first bite. Adding a pinch of spice or herbs to a baby’s food makes it taste better and gives the food additional medicinal properties. Read more here. But as I always say — you do you! If you don’t want to add spices to your baby’s food, you can certainly leave them out. Don’t worry, I give instructions on each recipe card for both.
What about allergies? Can spices cause an allergic reaction?
My rule of thumb is that unless there is an immediate family member that has a true allergy to a certain spice or food, then introducing your baby to spices at the same time as new food is completely acceptable. Spice and herb allergies in babies and adults are very rare. But remember, it’s always recommended to keep an eye on your baby when introducing any new food or spices.
At what age should I start my baby on baby food purees?
When a baby can start on solid foods is determined by their own rate of development, which generally comes between 4-6 months of age. Some of the developmental milestones babies need to reach to start solids include: if your baby has solid control of their head and neck, if your baby has doubled in weight, and if your baby is reaching for or opening their mouth when you eat (see my guide here). Before you start your baby on purees, you should consult with your pediatrician to make sure your child is developmentally ready for solids.
How to Make Baby Food PureesAll of our baby food recipes are designed to enhance the natural taste of the fruits and veggies while keeping as many nutrients intact as possible. In other words, the goal is to make a puree that’s both healthy and delectable.
There are several ways you can cook baby food purees, but the main techniques I use are:
- Steaming
- Roasting
- Simmering
- Raw
Keep in mind, that as long as the produce is cooked until soft, that there isn’t a right or wrong way to cook it for baby food.
If a recipe for broccoli calls for steaming but you want to roast it because you will already be roasting some broccoli for yourself for dinner, then go ahead and roast the broccoli for your baby’s puree. Play around and have some fun with it!
Adding Spices to Baby PureesIt’s encouraged that you can serve your baby a homemade puree with a pinch of spices or herbs from the very first bite.
Benefits of Spices
- boost and compliment any fruit or vegetable puree
- broaden baby’s emerging palate
- add more flavor and depth into their foods
- decrease picky eating in the years to come
- have medicinal properties in them — they can help with digestive issues, boost brain functions, repair muscle tissues, and so on.
While each puree recipe on this site has a selection of spices or herbs that complement the flavors of the fruit or vegetable in the puree, it’s up to you if you want to add them. You do you! Either way, the puree recipes on this site will be delicious.
Top Spices to Add to Baby’s Puree
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Basil
- Mint
- Parsley
- Mild Curry Powder
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Garlic
- Rosemary
Every recipe below has specific instructions on how to store that particular puree, but these are the general guidelines.
How to Freeze Baby FoodYour freezer is about to become your new best friend, allowing you to keep several weeks’ worth of baby purees at the ready. Whenever you make a puree, put several ounces in the fridge for your little one to enjoy that week, then freeze the rest of the batch for your baby to eat at a later date. Please make sure you get it in the puree into the fridge or freezer within 1 hour of cooking to prevent bacteria growth.
- Make a puree.
- Let it cool slightly.
- Transfer the puree to freezer trays or freezer jars.
- Cover the freezer trays with a lid or plastic wrap.
- Label with date and name of puree.
- Place the tray in the freezer.
- Let it freeze for at least 5 hours.
- Take the tray out of the freezer.
- Crack the purees out of the trays.
- Place the frozen purees into zip-lock baggies or stasher bags.
How to Store Baby Food
Purees can be stored for up to four days in an airtight container in the fridge or 4 months in the freezer.
How to Thaw Baby Food
Thawing may seem like a no-brainer, but it never hurts to know your options. There are three different ways to thaw purees.
Microwave- Take the frozen puree cubes that you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place them in a glass microwave-safe container.
- Microwave in 20-second increments, stirring every time.
- The puree is ready when it is just warm to your touch.
- Grab two clean spoons, one for you and one for your baby, and test your puree before serving.
Heating Tip: To prevent the microwave from unevenly heating the puree, which can leave it with cold and really hot spots and can burn your baby’s mouth, make sure you stir between each interval and taste test it before serving to your baby.
Refrigerator
This one takes the longest time, but it is an excellent alternative to using a microwave.
- Take the frozen puree cubes you want to serve out of your freezer.
- Place the cubes in an air-tight glass container.
- Place the container in the fridge and let the cubes thaw for 8 to 12 hours, usually overnight.
- Do not leave the puree in the container to thaw on the counter or anywhere out of the fridge, as bacteria will start to grow at a rapid rate — which is definitely not recommended.
- Note that the puree will be cold but thawed. So if your baby likes their puree warmed, you’ll have to finish the job using the microwave or stovetop method.
- In a small saucepan, add the frozen puree cubes you want to serve to your baby.
- Over medium-low heat, gently cook the puree until warm, stirring occasionally.
Thawing Tip: Some infants like their puree cold, warm, or really warm, and some will eat it no matter the temperature. You will get to know your baby’s personal preferences as the two of you bond over food.
Feeding Tips
- Make sure baby is showing readiness signs for eating – good control of their head and trunk, sitting with minimal assistance, bringing hands or toys to their mouth, and appearing interested in your food when you’re eating.
- Follow your baby’s lead – when feeding purees from a spoon, sometimes there’s a tendency to keep offering bites past the point of your baby being full. Always follow your baby’s cues for when they are done eating. Turning away from the spoon, closing her mouth, or pushing food away are all signs that your baby is finished with the meal.
- Throwing spoons – is a common phase that all babies go through at one point or another. One of the best ways to handle spoon throwing is to ignore it and keep feeding your baby as usual (with an extra spoon you already have at the table). If your baby ends up also throwing back up spoons #2 AND #3, simply encourage your baby to eat with their hands until they appear to be finished with the meal.
Top Rated Baby Food Purees
Pea Baby Puree (Stage One)
4.90 stars (78 ratings)
A delicious way to introduce peas to baby. Mild peas paired with a fresh hint of mint – a mouth-watering combo!
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Apples Baby Food Puree
4.75 stars (56 ratings)
This Apple Baby Puree recipe is a wonderful first food for baby! A delicious nutrient-dense puree that baby will go gaga over!
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The Best Sweet Potato Baby Food
5 stars (51 ratings)
This Homemade Sweet Potato with Curry Baby Food Puree is a fun and exotic first puree for baby! Great for 4+ months and is completely freezer-friendly!
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Broccoli Baby Food
4. 79 stars (65 ratings)
This Broccoli Baby Food with olive oil recipe is a great way to introduce healthy green vegetables into your baby's diet. A delicious puree full of essential vitamins and healthy fats for growing baby
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Oatmeal for Babies (Stage One)
5 stars (39 ratings)
This Oatmeal Recipe for Baby is made with simple nutrient-dense ingredients in less than 10 minutes, and it's perfect for baby's first bite or added into their favorite fruit or veggie puree. Great for 4+ months and up.
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Avocado for Baby – Puree & BLW
5 stars (15 ratings)
Avocados are a superfood and great first food for babies 6 months and up. Serve them pureed, smashed, or as a finger food for baby-led weaning.
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WeeSprout Baby Food Freezer Tray
My all-time favorite freezer tray! Individual servings pop out easily. The hard plastic lid snaps on with ease and allows for convenient stacking of freezer trays. Dishwasher safe!
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Butternut Squash Baby Food
5 stars (30 ratings)
This homemade Roasted Butternut Squash Baby Food Puree not only contains calcium, folate, vitamins A and C and fiber but it is also a deliciously smooth way to introduce butternut squash to your baby!
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Green Bean Baby Food
5 stars (33 ratings)
Green beans are steamed until just tender, this puree has a mild taste for baby's palette.
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Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
4.85 stars (26 ratings)
This 5-minute Mango Baby Food Puree is a great way to introduce baby to the magical taste of one of the world's healthiest fruits – MANGOS!
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Pear Baby Puree (Stage One)
5 stars (19 ratings)
This smooth and creamy homemade Pear Baby Puree is a wonderful first puree for baby – easy on the taste buds and great for their growing bodies!
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Peach Baby Puree (Stage One)
5 stars (13 ratings)
Smooth and creamy, this homemade Peach Baby Puree delivers big on taste with naturally sweetened peaches and flecks of vanilla bean.
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Basic Chicken Baby Food
4.41 stars (194 ratings)
This homemade Basic Chicken Baby Food is a great puree to add to any of your baby’s favorite fruit or veggie purees. Great for extra protein and flavor!
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Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
4.88 stars (48 ratings)
Using only 1-ingredient, this Homemade Baby Rice Cereal is a simple and easy recipe to make baby!
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Red Pepper Baby Puree
4.88 stars (33 ratings)
This Red Pepper Baby Puree recipe is a smooth, creamy and naturally sweet puree that is loaded with vitamin A, B6 and C. Great for 4+ months and older (or stage 1 puree).
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More Baby Fooe Purees
- Strawberry Baby Puree
- Blueberry Baby Puree
- Pumpkin Baby Puree
- Rasberry Baby Food
- Banana Puree
- Homemade Quinoa Baby Cereal
Pea Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups peas, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium zucchini, roughly chopped (optional)
- 4 mint leaves, roughly chopped (optional)
Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree
- 2 large sweet potatoes
- 1/4 tsp mild curry powder (optional)
- 1/4-1 cup liquid, (water, fresh breast milk, formula or sodium-free chicken stock) for pureeing
Roasted Banana Puree
- 4 bananas, cut lengthwise
- 1/8 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped (optional)
Carrot Baby Food Puree
- 2 pounds carrots, trimmed, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup liquid, (water, reserved water, fresh breast milk, formula or low-sodium stock) for pureeing
Apples Baby Food Puree
- 6 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Broccoli Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups broccoli, chopped into small florets
- 1 small white potato, apple or pear, peeled and roughly chopped, roughly 1/2 cup (optional)
- 1 tbsp good quality olive oil (optional)
Butternut Squash Baby Puree
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 tsp fresh thyme, roughly chopped (optional)
- 1-2 tsp olive oil (optional)
- 1/2-1 cup liquid (water, fresh breast milk, formula, low or no-sodium stock or bone broth), for pureeing
Green Bean Baby Food Puree
- 1 pound green beans, fresh or frozen, trimmed
- 1 big pinch fresh basil, cilantro or parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
- 2 cups fresh or frozen mango, deseed, peeled and roughly chopped. If using frozen mangos, thaw first
- 1 medium banana (optional)
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
Pear Baby Food Puree
- 6 pears, peeled and roughly chopped
- 1/8 tsp cardamom or cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
Peach Baby Puree
- 3 fresh peaches or 12oz frozen peaches, do not thaw frozen peaches – use frozen
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp vanilla bean pod (optional)
- 1 pinch pinch nutmeg (optional)
Basic Chicken Baby Puree
- 1 8-ounce boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs, cubed
- 1 cups chicken or veggie stock, low-sodium or sodium-free
- 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)
Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
- 1 cup brown rice, I prefer organic short grain
- 2 cups water for cooking
- 1-2 cups of liquid for blending, (water, fresh breastmilk or formula)
Red Pepper Baby Puree
- 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup white potato, apple or pear, peeled and roughly chopped
Oatmeal for Babies
- 2 cup water
- 1 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/2 tsp chia seeds (optional)
- 1/2 tsp hemp seeds (optional)
Avocado for Baby
- 1/4 avocado
- 1 tsp breast milk, formula or water
Pea Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the zucchini in a steamer basket, and place over boiling water. Cover and steam for 5 minutes.
Add in the peas, and steam for an additional 3-5 minutes. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Add the zucchini, peas and mint leaves to a blender or food processor and puree for 1 minute or until you have achieved the desired texture. If the puree is too thick, add in 1/4 cup of the reserved steamer water until you have the right consistency.
Note on Zucchini: while this is a 2 vegetable starter puree, zucchini allergies are very low, so I added it to this recipe to give the peas a mild taste and smoother texture. You can completely leave them out if you prefer. Just steam the peas as directed.
Sweet Potato Baby Food Puree
Heat oven to 400°. Line baking sheet with tin foil, parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Wash and dry the sweet potatoes. Prick with a fork in several places and then place the sweet potatoes on the baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes – 1 hour or until a fork can easily prick the sweet potato. Let sit until cool to touch.
Make a cut into the skin of the potato lengthwise and peel away the skin of the potato. Scoop out the sweet potato meat and place into a blender or food processor, adding in the mild curry powder and water.
Puree on high for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding in additional liquid in 1/4 cup increments if needed. I had to add in 1 cup of water to the puree pictured. Serve or freeze for a later meal.
Additional Spices: Feel free to use the following spices instead of the curry – 1/2 tsp of cumin, 1/4 tsp of nutmeg, 1/2 tsp of cloves, 1 fresh garlic clove, 1/2 tsp of chopped fresh thyme, 3-4 basil leaves, 1/2 tsp chopped rosemary or even a big pinch of fresh ginger or 1/2 tsp ginger powder. Or you can leave out the spices altogether.
Roasted Banana Baby Puree
Heat oven to 325 degrees F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place bananas on a baking sheet and roast for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool slightly.
Place bananas and rosemary into a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth. You may need to add additional water, so start by adding in 1/4 cup increments until you get the desired consistency.
Additional Spices: This recipe is also great with 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp nutmeg, or for a fun twist, 1/2 tsp mild curry.
Note on Bananas: while any ripeness of bananas will work, I have found that the bananas that are ripe to very ripe tend to work best in this recipe.
Carrot Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil over medium heat.
Place the carrots into a steamer basket, cover and cook for 9-11 minutes or until tender. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Place the carrots, nutmeg and 1/2 cup of liquid into a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes on high, adding 1/4 cup liquid at a time until you achieve the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy, or freeze for later.
Notes on Nutmeg: adding in spices to babies first purees are completely optional, but totally safe. Nutmeg rounds out the acidic taste carrots sometimes have and make this puree taste grounded and full-bodied.
Additional Spices: Feel free to substitute 1/2 tsp ginger powder or 1/4 fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp mild curry powder, 1/4 tsp cloves, 1/2 tsp finely minced fresh chives or 1/2 garlic clove instead of the nutmeg.
Apples Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, place the apples, water and cinnamon. Cover and heat on medium-low for 15-20 minutes or until apples are tender. Let cool slightly.
Transfer all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and blend for 1-2 minutes or until completely smooth. For a chunky puree, quickly pulse the ingredients 10-15 times or until you receive your desired consistency. Serve or freeze for later.
Additional Spices: Feel free to sub in these spices instead of the cinnamon for this recipe – 1/8 tsp of cloves, 1/8 tsp of nutmeg, 1-2 leaves of fresh mint, 1-2 leaves of fresh basil, a pinch of fresh or 1/4 tsp of ginger powder or even 1/4 of coriander for a fun twist.
Apples: you can use any sweet apple in this recipe – Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, McIntosh, etc.
Broccoli Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 inches of water to a boil over medium heat. Place the broccoli and potato (or apple/pear) into a steamer basket and place over boiling water, cover and steam for 10-12 minutes or until the broccoli and potato are tender. Reserve water from the steamer. Let cool slightly.
Add the broccoli, potato and olive oil into a blender or food processor and puree until smooth, adding the reserved water from the steamer basket in 1/4 cup increments if needed.
Adding In Spices: Feel free to add in 1 tsp of chopped chives, 2-3 mint leaves, 1 tsp of chopped cilantro, 1/2 tsp cumin or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
Butternut Squash Baby Puree
Heat oven to 450 degrees F. Line baking sheet with a silicone mat, tin foil or parchment paper.
Cut butternut squash in half, deseed and place flesh side up, skin side down. Optional – Feel free to drizzle the squash with 1-2 teaspoons of olive oil for some added healthy fat.
Bake for 45 minutes or until you can easily prick the squash with a fork. Let cool until you can handle the squash with your hands.
Scrape off the skin and discard. Place the butternut squash into a blender or food processor. Add thyme and puree for 1-2 minutes, adding water in 1/4 cup increments until you have your desired consistency. I had to add 3/4 cup of water to my puree shown below.
Additional Spices: Feel free to sub the thyme for 4 basil leaves, 1 tsp chopped rosemary, 1 tsp ginger powder, or 1 big pinch of fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, or even 1/2 tsp of coriander.
Green Bean Baby Food Puree
Fill a medium saucepan with 2” of water and bring to boil over medium heat. Place the green beans (fresh or frozen) into a steamer basket over the boiling water, cover, and cook for 10 minutes or until tender. Let cool slightly. Reserve steamer water.
Transfer the green beans and herb to a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes or until smooth, adding reserved steamer water in 1/4 cup increments if needed until you reach your desired consistency.
Adding Spices: you can add a big pinch of roughly chopped basil, cilantro, mint, parsley, or chives to this puree before blending.
Creamy Mango-licious Baby Food Puree
Place the mango, banana and nutmeg (if using) into a blender or food processor. Puree for 1 minute or until completely smooth. If your mango is not ripe enough, you might need to add in up to 1/4 cup of water while blending to get the right consistency. Serve or freeze for later.
Mango Tip: I usually find that organic frozen mangos are easier and cheaper to find than fresh organic mangos, but if mangos are in season when you are making this recipe, by all means, you can use fresh over frozen. For fresh mangos, simply peel and chop.
Pear Baby Food Puree
In a medium saucepan, place the pears, cardamon and water, cover and heat on medium-low heat for 10-15 minutes, or until tender. Let cool slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, scoop the pears out of the saucepan, leaving water behind, and into a blender or food processor. Blend for 1-2 minutes until you have your desired consistency. If your pear puree is too thick, add the leftover cooking water in 1/4 cup increments.
Peach Baby Puree
If using fresh peaches, peel, pit and slice the peaches. If using the fresh vanilla bean pod, cut in half and then slice open lengthwise. Take the back of your knife or spoon and scrape out all of the vanilla bean, reserve.
In a medium saucepan, add the peaches and water, cook over medium-low heat for 5 minutes (fresh peaches) – 10 minutes (frozen peaches). Right before the peaches are done cooking, add in the vanilla and nutmeg (or any other spices you prefer) and stir until incorporated—Cook for 1 more minute.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the peaches to a blender or food processor, leaving all excess water in the saucepan. You do not want to add any additional liquids, or the puree might be too thin. Starting on low and increasing to high speed, puree the peaches until smooth and creamy. Serve to baby or freeze for later.
Basic Chicken Baby Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring the cubed chicken, broth, and parsley to a boil over medium heat. Turn the heat down to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is just cooked through. Let cool slightly.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chicken to a blender or food processor, leaving the broth in the saucepan. Reserve the broth.
Starting on low and working your way up to high-speed, puree the chicken until you reach your desired consistency, adding in broth in 1/4 cup increments if needed. I had to add in just 1/4 cup of broth to get the consistency seen in this photo.
Extra Healthy Fat: For some extra healthy fat, this puree is also wonderful, with a teaspoon of grass-fed butter (salt-free) added to the blender right before pureeing.
Homemade Baby Rice Cereal
IMPORTANT STEP: Place the rice in a fine-mesh colander and rinse with water until the water runs clear.
Transfer the rice to a medium saucepan and add 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover with a lid and simmer for 35-45 minutes or until the rice is tender and the water is evaporated. Each batch of rice cooks a little differently, so taste at 35 minutes to see if the rice is tender. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let rest for 10 minutes, covered. If using fresh breast milk or formula for blending, I would remove the lid and let the rice cool for 15 minutes.
Place the rice into a blender or food processor and add 1/2 cup of liquid of choice. Blend for 1-2 minutes on medium-high speed until completely smooth and creamy, adding in the additional liquid in 1/4 cup increments, if needed, until you have your desired consistency.
Red Pepper Baby Puree
In a medium saucepan, bring 2″ of water to a boil.
If using a potato: place it in a steamer basket and steam for 10 minutes before adding peppers, and cooking for another 5-7 minutes.
If using pear or apple: add in the red peppers and apple or pear and steam for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Reserve steamer water. Let cool slightly.
Add in all of the ingredients into a blender or food processor and puree for 1 minute or until completely smooth, adding in a tablespoon of water at a time if needed.
Oatmeal for Babies
In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of water to a boil. Add in 1 cup of old-fashioned oats along with the chia seeds, hemp seeds and any spices you are using. Turn down the heat to medium-low and cook the oats for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until all of the water is gone and the oats are soft. Let cool slightly.
Transfer the oats to a blender or food processor and puree for 1-2 minutes, adding water in 1/4 cup increments if needed, until completely smooth. I had to add 1/2 cup of water to my oatmeal. You will want the oat cereal to be on the thinner side, so it doesn't become sticky. The oats will continue to absorb liquid as they cool, so you can add more water, fresh breast milk, or formula as needed. Serve to baby or freeze for later.
Type of Oats: This recipe is for old-fashioned oats: for steel-cut or instant oats, read the full post.
Adding Spices: you can add a big pinch of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice mix or a smaller pinch of nutmeg or cloves to these oats before blending.
Chia and Hemp Seeds: are added for a nutritional boost, but you can add or omit them if you prefer. You can get both of these at any health food store or online here (chia/hemp).
Avocado for Baby
Age: 4-6 months and up
Yield: roughly 15-25 ounces, depending on the recipe
Freezer Tray
Bumkins Baby Bowl
Blender
Saucepan
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Children's preservation for the winter. Recipe: Puree for baby food for the winter
Preparing baby food for the winter, which can be more difficult. Every mother wants to feed her child with a variety of high-quality, good quality food during the feeding period. But what if it's winter? It is necessary to introduce complementary foods, moreover, vegetables are usually the first product, and where to get them in winter, and fresh fruits will be expensive. Many mothers are immediately lost, this issue has not been studied in our country, few people know that you can freeze baby purees, but almost everyone knows how to make homemade juice and twist it into 3 liter jars. So young mothers should not worry, now I will tell you how I was preparing baby food for the winter.
It was supposed to start in May, so while still pregnant, I didn’t think about complementary foods, I was sure that I would definitely find zucchini or broccoli during this period, in extreme cases I thought to start complementary foods with cereals if the baby was born before the due date.
But as food was introduced into the child's diet, I realized that it was necessary to prepare food for the winter. Of course, you can buy everything now, who argues, but it’s either expensive, or greenhouse-grown and grown with fertilizers, and we have our own garden, so you can freeze everything that is homemade.
What food do I usually freeze for myself?
Always, even before the baby was born, I froze (grated, in circles, rectangular cubes), bell pepper (cut into small cubes), herbs (parsley and dill, chopped and frozen in water trays). My standard set consisted of these three ingredients, it is very convenient to boil soup or use them for various stews, meat casseroles, etc. But with the advent of the child, I had to think about whether I really need to freeze carrots, since it is not difficult to get them during the winter, you can freeze them a little once a week to facilitate and reduce cooking time. There was no question about bell pepper and herbs, they are from the home garden, they are difficult to find in decent condition in winter. By reducing the frozen carrots, increased the area of the freezer.
Frozen baby food
Frozen baby food can be divided into two types, and frozen food. What can be frozen? Almost all foods that you prefer to eat. But there is, so some vegetables are best blanched, for example, otherwise it starts to dry out when freshly frozen, which looks scary and tastes tasteless, I didn’t like it.
Some fruits, after freezing, are intended only for compote, for example, cherries, it becomes too soft, loses its shape and spreads, although the taste in compote is normal.
But best of all, but then their shelf life decreases, read more about this here.
Frozen foods for baby food
My freeze!
Usually, for baby food, I freeze cauliflower (the links will describe how to freeze the product), zucchini, pumpkin, green peas, green beans, carrots, bell peppers. All products except pumpkin are harvested in season, but the pumpkin can not be immediately frozen, usually, if I do not plan to cut it, it lies whole in a cool place. But if the pumpkin is cut, I try to use it all at once, as I noticed that if something is left, it will definitely disappear. Therefore, the leftovers go either to freezing, or to pumpkin juice, pumpkin puree, which is frozen and then used to make baby food.
From fruits I freeze cherries with stones, raspberries, black and red currants, dogwood, plums, persimmons, gooseberries. Everything is frozen as the season progresses, fresh, washed and dried so that there is no extra weight in the form of ice.
I definitely freeze greens, namely dill and parsley, I froze spinach this year, but stew it only for taste in the dish. I make dill and parsley separately and mixes, since not all dishes can add parsley and dill. I also have these herbs in dry form, in case the freeze ends.
Frozen baby food
Do not freeze large amounts of food, be afraid that there will not be enough. Have pity on your labor and money. The child is small, so he will not eat a lot of broccoli or cauliflower, and you will always have potatoes, carrots, cereals and meat for making soups. If in doubt, you can calculate how much the baby will eat, at least a 100 gram jar at a time, and a varied diet, i.e. many products. Therefore, a couple of kilograms will be enough for one product, we also look at the size of our freezer. After all, homemade frozen baby food can be alternated with purchased canned food, or you can buy frozen vegetables and fruits in the store.
Therefore, you should immediately choose a frozen food company that suits you in terms of quality and price.
Don't be afraid and add me to
Berries, fruits and vegetables contain many useful vitamins and minerals. In the summer there are plenty of them, but in order not to buy baby purees in the store in the winter, let's try to prepare everything you need on your own.
The first way of preparations is freezing.
It is with this method that the products retain all their wonderful properties. We sort out the berries, remove the spoiled ones, wash, dry and put them in bags or containers. We keep it in the freezer all winter. Frozen berries are used in winter to make mashed potatoes, compotes, add to cereals. Any berries are suitable for freezing (raspberries, strawberries, currants (all varieties), gooseberries, cherries).
You can also freeze vegetables and herbs . For example, zucchini, cauliflower, green peas, etc. We select vegetables, clean, remove the bones (if any), cut into pieces or three on a grater, put them in bags or containers and put them in the refrigerator. Can be used to make purees and soups.
The second way to prepare baby food is canning.
Consider the puree recipe. Apricots, pears, peaches and other fruits are suitable for him. We prepare fruits (as in the first method). We put it in a saucepan, fill it with water and blanch for 10-15 minutes. Then grind through a sieve or use a blender. Put the puree back into the pan, add sugar, boil and stir thoroughly for another 10 minutes. It remains to put it in a sterilized jar, roll up the lid and leave it upside down until it cools completely. Banks are stored in a cool place. For 1 kg of fruit you will need 30 g of sugar and 200 ml of water.
There is a way to preserve fruits and berries without sugar . We prepare fruits and berries, put them in a saucepan, add water so that it slightly covers the ingredients, boil for 10 minutes and put them in jars. Turn the lids upside down and leave to cool. Banks are stored in a cool place.
Cans for winter preparations must be whole, without cracks. It is necessary to take a very responsible approach to the sterilization of jars. To do this, you can use the microwave, oven or sterilize them over steam.
If you think that the sterilization of jars is not enough, then after you have placed the products in jars, you can put them in a pot of water for additional sterilization for another 10-20 minutes. The larger the container, the longer the sterilization time. For cans with a capacity of 0.5 liters, 10 minutes is enough.
For preparing baby food for the winter you can use several simple and quick cooking methods: freezing, drying, pureeing and seaming whole fruits and berries.
1. The first way to prepare baby food is freezing. This method is the most modern and the least expensive in terms of time and money. When dry frozen, fruits and vegetables retain exactly the primary taste and aroma for which they are valued. It is very good if you prepare as many berries, fruits and vegetables for a small child, because the winter period is either not available or even imported and treated with chemicals, fruits are often covered with paraffin.
Rinse and pat dry frozen fruits, rinse, pat dry and chop or grate vegetables. Pack all the prepared vegetables, berries and fruits in bags, preferably in small portions, for ease of use, calculate approximately how much your child eats on average berries and fruits on average per week and add another 1-2 kg to this because the excess never hurts.
It is best to use a microwave to defrost berries. Defrost fruits and vegetables at room temperature.
2. The second very common method is drying the fruit. Almost every plate has a function for drying, fruits such as apples, pears, plums and apricots perfectly retain their vitamin composition when dried. Dried fruit compotes are extremely healthy and tasty.
3. The third very popular way of preparing baby food for the winter is canning. There are several options for canning, for small children up to 1 year old and older, baby puree is most suitable, as well as fruits cooked in their own juice.
Preparation:
Baby puree
- 1 kg fruits (apples, pears, plums, apricots, carrots)
- 30 g sugar
- 200 ml water
Wash, peel and put the fruits in a saucepan, add water and boil for 15-20 minutes, then pass on the puree and digest again. Put the puree in prepared sterile jars and roll up. Wrap baby food jars and leave to cool completely. I have been using this method for a very long time, as soon as I became a mother, and although my children are already adults, I still roll up apple and pear puree for the winter, and they eat with pleasure. For seaming, it is best to use jars with a small volume, since fruit puree is not a long-lasting product and a small child should eat it right away.
4. A quick way to harvest fruits and berries and preserve the taste and aroma of fruits to the maximum. Rinse the fruits and cut large pears and apples into 4 parts, separate the peaches and apricots from the stones, put the fruits in a saucepan and pour in water to cover only 1-2 cm from the top. Add 1 tablespoon of sugar per 1 kg of fruit and cook for 10-15 minutes after boiling. Arrange hot fruits in sterile jars and roll up, the fruits are well preserved. In preservation with pears and peaches, add 1 g of citric acid.
5. The fastest prepare baby food for the winter is the preservation of strawberries, raspberries, blackberries. It's very simple to wash strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, distribute in jars and add 1-2 tablespoons of sugar, pour boiling water and put for sterilization for 15 minutes from the moment the water boils in a saucepan. It is imperative to add sugar to preservation, as it is an excellent preserver of the taste and aroma of fresh fruits and berries.
With the advent of autumn, there is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy different varieties of apples. Many mothers harvest this healthy fruit for the winter to provide the baby with vitamins and start the first complementary foods with homemade puree. Every family has its own proven recipe, but it will not be superfluous to replenish the piggy bank of culinary tips.
The benefits of apples
The composition of the fruit is maximally preserved when preparing compotes, mashing, roasting and drying:
- vitamins B and A
- iron, magnesium, iodine, sodium, etc.
- fiber
- pectins
- flavonoids
- organic acids
Which apples to choose?
If you do not have your own apples, it is advisable to choose nondescript varieties with small defects in the store. Glossy and large fruits will bring a minimum of benefit to the children's body, if they do not cause allergic reactions in babies. To check, you can use a small test: cut an apple and leave for a while. A high-quality fruit on the cut will almost immediately turn brown (a sign of a high iron content), and a bad one can only weather, but the flesh will not change color. Unfortunately, such actions are possible only after buying an apple, so the appearance of the fruit is the perfect clue.
It is obligatory to use those varieties of apples that grow in the native region as complementary foods. Maximum suitable for baby food:
- Semerenko
- Antonovka
Not very long after harvest:
- Jonathan
- Jonagold
- Golden and a number of other imported varieties
Green apples contain easily digestible iron. Its amount is lower than in liver or meat, but daily consumption of this fruit will reduce the risk of anemia. And the favorite delicacy of all babies is applesauce, because it is from him that pediatricians advise preparing the child's body for adult food.
Proven recipes for mashed potatoes for future use
In summer and autumn, there is no hassle when preparing an apple dessert: just wash the fruit, cut off the peel, remove the core and grate on a fine grater. The kid will happily eat the proposed sweet dish. In the cold season, it is more problematic to find a “native” variety of fruits, so it is advisable to take care of the baby’s diet in advance and prepare mashed potatoes for the winter using any recipe you like.
Classic apple puree
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For children you will need:
- 3-4 kg green apples
- up to 1 l water
- 100 g brown sugar
- some lemon juice
The process of making puree is described step by step:
- Apples must first be washed, peeled and cut into small cubes
- Put water on the stove, let it heat up and add sugar, stirring until it is completely dissolved
- Dip apples in syrup
- Sterilize jars and lids while puree is cooking
- Mash the finished apples, reheat and pour into jars
- Sterilize with lids on and roll up
- Turn the jars over and cover with a warm blanket to cool completely
The recipe does not include sterilization tips, but they are indispensable:
- Thoroughly wash the puree container and lid with soda
- Boil water in a saucepan after putting on the sterilizing circle
- If the necks of the jars are small, you can make a hole similar in diameter to 9 in a regular tin lid0095
- Sterilize jars approx. 2 minutes
After the jars are filled with puree, cover them with lids and immerse them in a pot of hot water (on the stove) about 2/3.
Sterilize for 10 minutes, roll up.
Apple-carrot puree
Apple-carrot puree prepared in advance for the winter has no less benefits. The recipe contains a minimum of ingredients, but the delicacy is very tasty:
- 400 g each of apples and carrots
- 200 g sugar
Be sure to use only fresh and unspoiled produce:
- Wash and peel carrots, cut into small cubes
- Pour in some water and boil until tender
- Cool and grind with a blender
- Wash apples, remove core and skin, cut into small pieces
- Pour hot water over so that the liquid barely covers the fruit
- Grind ready apples with a blender
- Mix both types of mashed potatoes, add sugar and bring the mixture to a boil, then boil for a couple of minutes so that the mashed potatoes are well preserved in the winter
- Pour into jars, sterilize for another 15 minutes, roll up and cool upside down under a warm blanket
Can be supplemented with orange juice or honey. Pour in freshly squeezed orange juice to taste at the stage of cooking both parts of the mixture, and replace sugar with liquid honey if the baby is not allergic to it. Carrots are better to take the one on which there are remnants of the earth, and not “washed”. In natural carrots growing in black soil, there are much more useful substances than in its "foreign" sister.
The assortment of modern stores has made life as easy as possible for young mothers, providing a choice of a huge number of jars of baby puree. But none of them, even the most expensive, can be compared with homemade, which can be safely offered to the baby as complementary foods.
Apple pear puree
If you take green sour apples, citric acid can be omitted from the recipe:
- Wash apples, peel and core, cut into cubes and boil in a small amount of water until thickened
- Wash the pears, peel, cut into slices and also boil in a small amount of water until soft
- Purée fruit mixtures separately, then combine and boil again
- Pour into sterilized jars and additionally sterilize the puree already in them for at least 10 minutes, covering with lids
- Roll up and cool upside down until completely cooled
If there is a desire not to boil the fruit, but to bake them in the oven, it is necessary to wrap each pear and apple in a piece of foil and place on a baking sheet. Fruit will reach the desired consistency, but at the same time, their juice will not splatter on the walls of the oven. The recipe does not contain sugar, since the pears themselves are quite sweet. All fruits must be from the "native" region and without rot spots. In winter, kids will be happy to eat delicious mashed potatoes, in which all useful substances are preserved.
For making homemade baby puree Ripe and always fresh vegetables and fruits are taken. Rinse the selected fruits thoroughly, peel the vegetables. Soft and tender fruits such as strawberries, apricots, peaches can be rubbed raw through a sieve. Harder fruits and vegetables, after washing and peeling, cut and simmer until softened or cooked over low heat. The fruits should be boiled until they become soft, but not too long: the mashed potatoes darken with prolonged cooking.
Soaked fruit or vegetables, rub through a sieve or pass through a meat grinder. Boil the resulting puree for no more than 5 minutes and immediately pour into sterile jars or bottles; fill to the edge of the neck. Seal the container hermetically and place upside down until completely cooled.
If you want to puree without pre-cooking, it must be bottled and sterilized. Fill the jars, leaving 2 cm to the top edge. After sterilization, quickly cool the jars to 40 degrees.
Recipe for baby puree for the winter from plums
To make plum puree, take any variety of plums, the main thing is that the fruits are sugary and ripe. Rinse the plums well, cut into halves and heat in a small amount of water. Grind softened plums with a blender or meat grinder. Heat the puree without boiling, and immediately pour into sterilized jars, filling to the brim and corking. Turn over and cool.
Baby apple puree
Wash the apples well, remove the core and peel, cut into slices. Place the slices in an enamel bowl, cover with water and cook for 15-20 minutes. Wipe hot apples through a sieve or chop in another way convenient for you. Reheat the resulting puree and pour hot into jars. Seal the jars immediately, put them in a bowl of hot water (80 degrees) and sterilize for 30 minutes.
Do you like to cook fast? Then we offer you a quick recipe
Winter pumpkin puree
Remove skin and seeds from pumpkin. Cut the pulp into cubes, put in a saucepan, add a little water and cook until soft over low heat. Grind the mass to a puree state, put on fire again and bring to a boil. Pour the hot puree into jars and roll up.
How to grind food without a blender? 6 tricky ways
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There are situations in cooking when you need to cut the ingredients not just finely, but very finely. Baby food, cream soup, adjika, squash caviar... If for some reason there is no blender in the kitchen, all these tasty little temptations become a big challenge for the hostess. How to proceed? Arm yourself with a knife, be patient and risk your fingers? Or are there other ways? Attention hints!
There are situations in cooking when you need to cut the ingredients not just finely, but very finely. Baby food, cream soup, adjika, marrow caviar... If for some reason there is no blender in the kitchen, all these tasty little temptations become a big challenge for the hostess. How to proceed? Arm yourself with a knife, be patient and risk your fingers? Or are there other ways? Attention, we give hints!
1. Scroll in a meat grinder
Task: get gruel from products. Solution? Meat grinder! If it is electric - fine, but it is quite possible to cope with a mechanical one. For spicy or succulent dishes, you'll also need gloves and something to line your kitchen counter with. Unfortunately the consistency is rough so that the meat grinder is not suitable for making puree and baby food. But there are other options…
2.
Rub through a sieve or on a fine graterSoft foods such as potatoes, carrots, courgettes and other boiled vegetables can be finely mashed with a fork, grated or passed through a sieve. Sometimes this method gives even better results than using a blender, because the product is not saturated with air, and the fibers do not break down. But a sieve, of course, will not help when grinding spices, herbs, nuts, etc.
3. Use mortar
The traditional team for making fresh spices and homemade sauces is a mortar and pestle. However, since food is supposed to be crushed thoroughly and evenly, you should be prepared that at first your hands may get very tired. In addition, you should have quite a lot of time left before the guests gather at the table. Mortar - the case when "tasty" does not mean "fast" . What can you say? But it's safe.
4. Adapt juicer
If you are prone to experimentation, try to take a non-standard approach and achieve the desired result, for example, using an all-purpose juicer. Although, of course, this should take into account its design, power and reliability in general. At the output, juice and gruel are formed separately , but if desired, they can be mixed without problems in the required proportions. Dry cake is also useful. Just please do not send dry spices to the juicer!
5. Use coffee grinder
A good coffee grinder is capable of turning almost any bulk products into powder - cereals, nuts, sugar ... In this case, the situation is reversed: the ingredients must be solid and dry (no, sausage and lemon will not work) - otherwise your initiative is fraught with great disappointment. And one more thing to keep in mind: if after that you want coffee, you will have to put up with the taste and smell that foreign products can give the drink ...
6. Go to visit
Do you think retreat? Actually - a tactical maneuver: take cookies with you and go get to know your neighbors! Because cooking without a chopper or blender usually means just adding extra work to yourself.